- A
Both workloads are streaming workloads
Why wrong: Incorrect. The monthly file processing is not streaming; it is batch because data is processed in scheduled, large chunks.
- B
GPS data processing is a batch workload; monthly report processing is a streaming workload
Why wrong: Incorrect. This reverses the correct classification. Real-time GPS updates are streaming, not batch.
- C
GPS data processing is a streaming workload; monthly report processing is a batch workload
Correct. Real-time data ingestion and dashboard updates represent a streaming workload. Scheduled processing of large files is a batch workload.
- D
Both workloads are batch workloads
Why wrong: Incorrect. Real-time GPS updates are not batch; they are processed continuously with low latency, characteristic of streaming.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the GPS data processing is a streaming workload and the monthly report processing is a batch workload. This distinction hinges on the timing and continuity of the data: streaming workloads handle continuous, near-real-time data flows—like GPS coordinates arriving every 10 seconds—and require constant processing to update live dashboards, while batch workloads process large, static datasets collected over a period, such as monthly CSV files, in a single scheduled job. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this concept tests your ability to match data characteristics to Azure services: streaming workloads typically use Azure Stream Analytics or Event Hubs, whereas batch workloads rely on Azure Data Factory or Synapse Pipelines. A common trap is confusing periodic micro-batches (e.g., every 10 seconds) with true batch processing—remember that if data is processed as it arrives, it is streaming. For a quick memory tip, think “streaming is a river, batch is a bucket”—a river flows continuously, while a bucket fills up and is emptied all at once.
DP-900 Describe core data concepts Practice Question
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe core data concepts. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A data engineering team at a logistics company handles two distinct data processing workloads. The first workload ingests GPS data from delivery trucks every 10 seconds and updates a dashboard showing real-time vehicle locations. The second workload processes monthly CSV files of completed deliveries to generate reports on delivery times and route efficiency. Which statement correctly identifies these workloads?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
GPS data processing is a streaming workload; monthly report processing is a batch workload
C is correct because GPS data ingested every 10 seconds is a continuous, near-real-time stream, making it a streaming workload. Monthly CSV file processing is a classic batch workload, as data is collected over a period and processed in a single, scheduled job. This distinction is fundamental in Azure data services: streaming workloads use services like Azure Stream Analytics or Event Hubs, while batch workloads use Azure Synapse Pipelines or Azure Data Factory.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Both workloads are streaming workloads
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The monthly file processing is not streaming; it is batch because data is processed in scheduled, large chunks.
- ✗
GPS data processing is a batch workload; monthly report processing is a streaming workload
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This reverses the correct classification. Real-time GPS updates are streaming, not batch.
- ✓
GPS data processing is a streaming workload; monthly report processing is a batch workload
Why this is correct
Correct. Real-time data ingestion and dashboard updates represent a streaming workload. Scheduled processing of large files is a batch workload.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Both workloads are batch workloads
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Real-time GPS updates are not batch; they are processed continuously with low latency, characteristic of streaming.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse the frequency of data arrival (every 10 seconds) with batch processing, not recognizing that continuous, low-latency ingestion defines a streaming workload, not just the presence of a schedule.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Streaming workloads typically require sub-second latency and use event-driven architectures (e.g., Apache Kafka, Azure Event Hubs) with sliding windows for aggregation, while batch workloads process static datasets using scheduled jobs (e.g., Azure Data Factory, Apache Spark batch mode). A real-world scenario: if the GPS data were processed as a batch job, the dashboard would show stale locations, defeating the purpose of real-time tracking.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-900 question test?
Describe core data concepts — This question tests Describe core data concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: GPS data processing is a streaming workload; monthly report processing is a batch workload — C is correct because GPS data ingested every 10 seconds is a continuous, near-real-time stream, making it a streaming workload. Monthly CSV file processing is a classic batch workload, as data is collected over a period and processed in a single, scheduled job. This distinction is fundamental in Azure data services: streaming workloads use services like Azure Stream Analytics or Event Hubs, while batch workloads use Azure Synapse Pipelines or Azure Data Factory.
What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on DP-900
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A manufacturing company uses IoT sensors to monitor machine temperature. The data is analyzed immediately to trigger alerts if temperature exceeds a threshold. The same data is also stored and later analyzed to identify long-term trends. Which two terms best describe these data processing approaches?
easy- ✓ A.Real-time processing for alerts, batch processing for trend analysis
- ✓ B.Stream processing for alerts, transactional processing for trend analysis
- C.Batch processing for alerts, real-time processing for trend analysis
- D.OLAP for alerts, OLTP for trend analysis
Why A: Option A is correct because the scenario describes two distinct processing requirements: immediate alerting on temperature thresholds requires real-time (or stream) processing to minimize latency, while long-term trend analysis can be performed on stored data using batch processing, which is efficient for large historical datasets. Real-time processing handles data as it arrives with low latency, and batch processes data in bulk at scheduled intervals.
Variation 2. A car manufacturing company has two data processing systems: one system processes real-time sensor data from assembly lines to immediately detect equipment failures, and another system processes historical production records to generate monthly efficiency reports. Which two types of data processing workloads best describe these systems?
easy- ✓ A.Stream processing and batch processing
- B.OLTP and OLAP
- C.Online processing and offline processing
- ✓ D.Transactional processing and analytical processing
Why A: Stream processing handles real-time sensor data to detect equipment failures immediately, as it processes data continuously with low latency. Batch processing is ideal for historical production records to generate monthly efficiency reports, as it processes large volumes of data at scheduled intervals. These two workloads directly match the definitions of stream and batch processing in Azure data services like Azure Stream Analytics and Azure Synapse Analytics.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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